Research Guides (LibGuides): GHS 210: Freedom and Movement: Evaluating Primary Sources

Examining Primary Sources

The following considerations may be useful when examining primary sources:

Origins	Historical Context	Content
Who created this material?	Which historical events were taking place during at the time this item was created?	What ideas are being conveyed?
When was it created?	How did historical events influence the creation of this item?	How are these ideas being conveyed?
What was its purpose?		How reliable is the creator? Is there evidence of bias?
Who was the intended audience?		Where does your eye go first?

Templates to help you organize your questions:

In-class Primary Source Analysis
Please make a copy and save it in order to use the template.
Worksheet for Understanding Perspective in Primary Sources
This tool helps students identify perspective in primary sources and understand how backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences shape point of view. From the National Archives.
Primary Source Analysis Worksheet
Evaluation strategies outlined on this page will help you utilize, integrate, and evaluate primary sources in written assignments. From E.J. Pratt Library from the University of Toronto.
Library of Congress Primary Source Evaluation Tool
Additional: Guide to using the worksheet